Best Free Travel Apps

Smartphones are all the rage these days, and apps are a popular way to make travel easier and cheaper. Why do all the research when you can hit that download button, put in your information, and let the app do all the work for you? We have compiled a quick list of some of our favorite travel apps to make your life easier:

• Airbnb. Free. This app allows you to rent unique places in over 190 cities in any budget. You can use the filters to set your budget, and can even request an entire house. Airbnb allows you to get to know the local neighborhoods on a more personal level.
• Tripit. Free. For the planners to track every detail of their trip. Customize your itinerary and keep plane, train, and dinner reservations all in one tidy little place. 
• Google Translate. Free. Traveling to a foreign country? This app is a lifesaver! You are even able to scan simple text, such as menu items or train time tables, and it will translate it into your desired language.
• Gas Buddy. Free. Road trip? Need to fill up that rental car? This popular travel app searches your location and compares gas prices on the spot. Super helpful way to save a few bucks! 
• Hotel Tonight. Free. Sure, you usually have your hotels all lined up for your entire trip, but sometimes things just don't go as planned. This app helps you find last minute deals on leftover hotel rooms minutes or hours before you need to check in. In a tight spot, it can be a lifesaver. 

While these travel apps are a great way to aid in a stress-free trip, Rocket Parking will leave you at ease when you drop your car at our lot and hop on our free shuttle to Houston International Airport. Reserve online today and save. 

What to Wear on a Flight

Whether you are flying on a short domestic flight, or a long-haul international one, your in-flight wardrobe must be considered. We have some helpful tips on what to wear when you fly out of Houston International Airport:

• Choose loose, breathable fabrics. Tight tops or pants can restrict blood flow, and no one wants an accident thousands of feet off the ground. In addition, comfy, natural fabrics are easier to relax in.
• Comfy shoes. You will most likely be screened at TSA, so take that into account before donning your high top lace up Converse. If you are going straight to a business meeting as soon as you land, pack a small pair of heels in your personal item for when you land, or stick to professional but comfortable ballet flats.
• Dress relatively conservatively. Don't arrive at the gate wearing shirts with curse words or scantily clad humans on them. Airlines have been known to turn away passengers or make them turn their shirts inside out before even letting them board. If you wouldn't wear it to church with your Grandma, don't even think about wearing it on a plane.
• Layer it up! What if it is 90 degrees when you board your flight and then in-flight temperature drops to a frigid 73. Those shorts or dress you chose to wore suddenly will be doing more harm than good. Dress in layers when flying so you are able to add and subtract clothing articles depending on the climate. 
• Deodorant and clean clothing. It may be tempting to douse yourself in perfume or cologne before a flight, but resist the urge. Many people are allergic to the scent and you may even find yourself hard to stand in such close quarters. Wear strong deodorant and clean clothing and you should be all set. 

Once you have your in-flight wardrobe squared away, don't forget to make your online reservation with Rocket Parking to save on your Houston Airport Parking! 

5 Bad Weather Travel Tips

Summer is upon us and with this season comes a greater potential for encountering bad weather. Sure, rain and wind may be relaxing when you are curled up at home with Netflix and a cup of coffee, but no one wants to deal with mother nature's wrath when traveling! Check out our foul weather travel tips to help make your next trip out of Houston International Airport a little less stressful:

1. Check the forecast. It may be obvious, but check the forecast of your departure, destination, and any layover cities. Sunny skies? Fantastic! If you see the potential for weather at least you will be able to prepare for potential disruption in the future.
2. Contact your airline. See bad weather where your plane will be flying? Call your airline to inquire about flight routes and get an idea of any delays or cancellation you might encounter. 
3. Ask for the "spirit" of the law. Sure, your terms and conditions may say that the airline doesn't owe you anything, but it never hurts to ask! Flight desk staff often have the ability to give meal or beverage vouchers, transfer you to a new flight for free etc. You never know until you ask! 
4. Avoid the crowds. Don't stand in line to speak with a desk agent if the line is crazy long. Call the airline's 1-800 number and chances are you will speak to an agent much quicker than your fellow travelers. Staying away from the crowds will help reduce your stress.
5. Stay calm during your flight. If your flight does take off and encounters bad weather, your chances for experiencing turbulence are high. Don't fret, stay calm, and fasten your seat belt. Turbulence is no worse than driving along a road with potholes. If you know flying gives you anxiety or stress, prepare accordingly.

Although the weather may be bad, Rocking Parking will be here to safely shuttle you too and from Houston International Airport. Don't forget to make your free online reservation to ensure your Houston Airport Parking is ready and waiting upon your arrival! 

The Airport Parking Revolution

Now-a-days, more and more people are forgoing the traditional "show up at the airport and try and find parking," and choosing the less stressful alternative known as off-airport parking. Rocket Parking has been serving Houston International Airport as an off-airport parking carrier for many years, so we know what you want and strive to serve your every need.

Choosing off-airport parking will actually save you time and money! Whether you live in Houston and plan to park with Rocket Parking, or you reside in a far off city, chances are your large airport boasts an off-airport parking facility. Instead of driving around for 15 minutes searching for a parking spot that is safe and budget friendly, why not make a free online reservation from the comfort of your own home, weeks before your departure date? Not only will you eliminate some of the stress related with Houston Airport Parking, you will be paying much less per day than the airport charges.

In the time that you would spend looking for a parking space on airport property, you could be pulling into our facility and enjoying a free shuttle ride to the airport while you car rests securely on our lot. Who likes to drive through the confusing airport anyway? Leave that to our experienced staff and prepare for your trip!

Well, what are you waiting for? Make your online reservation today and start your Houston Airport Parking journey. Revolutionize your travel!

Houston Airport Parking

When you arrive at our Houston Airport Parking facility, we only require a few short minutes to check you in AND shuttle you to the airport? How easy is that?! You can expedite the process even further by making a free online reservation via our Rocket Parking Website so your parking space will be guaranteed upon your arrival. Online reservations are never required, but are always recommended! We strive to make your Houston Airport Parking process simple and easy for you. When you arrive at our facility, all you have to do is:

• Check-in at the counter
• Allow driver to load your bags
• Take the shuttle to the airport
• Arrive at curb side stress free!

5 Tips for Summer Travel

School is almost out and summer is about to be upon us! Not surprisingly, most people take a vacation during this time of the year. With tons of people traveling, the airport's can get a little hectic and stress levels may be high! Check out our list of tips on how to survive traveling to your summer vacation destination:

1. Shoes Off! Well, for TSA scanning, that is! TSA is generally stressful, but can become even more of a burden with the entire family in tow. Before you reach the TSA agents, remove your shoes, take out all liquids etc. Being prepared before you reach the front of the line will help ensure a smooth process.

2. Bend the Rules. Traveling with the kids? We can almost guarantee that you are going to stray from their normal daily routine...and that's okay! Instead of stressing about a missed bedtime, look on the positive side and go with the flow. The kiddos and your mind will thank you!

3. Fly Mid-Week. Want to beat the crowds? [Who doesn't?!] Try and schedule your flights mid-week and enjoy less crowded flights. Stuck leaving on a weekend? Don't fret! See if any flights leave early in the morning, or later in the evening as these are also fantastic times to fly.

4. Call your Bank. Nothing is worse than being stuck away from home with a frozen bank account because you forgot to call and let your company know you are using your credit card out of the state/country. Do this early [now!] before you forget during the bustle of planning your trip!

5. Make Photocopies! Make multiple copies of your passport, ID, flight information etc. to keep on your person in addition to the real thing. Scan these documents and email them to yourself so that you are always able to access them in the event you lose the originals.

Do you really want to stress less this summer? Make your free online reservation for Houston Airport parking with Rocket Parking and save time and money!

Four Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day that Aren't BBQ and the Beach

American's are quick to celebrate Memorial Day by cooking out and hanging out at the beach. While these activities are wonderful, we must be careful that they don't eclipse the true meaning of the holiday. Here are a few ways to commemorate Memorial Day and remember those lives lost in service:

• Visit the Vets. Take time out of your day to take a trip to the local Veterans hospital. Bake some cookies or have your children or grandchildren make cards or drawings for the Vets. Additionally, you can contact local nursing homes and visit the residents who have been in the service as well. They will love your company on this special day.
• Pay Tribute at A Military Cemetery. Buy a bunch of flowers or a few American flags and visit your local military cemetery or war memorial. Reflecting on the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country will put you in a meditative state of mind this Monday.
• Watch a Parade. Tons of cities put on Memorial Day Parades. If your town isn't participating, you can always watch the national on on television. What a great way to support those walking in the parade and have some fun at the same time!
• Put together something for those overseas. Spend part of your day making cards, writing letters, or making care packages for the men and women spending holidays overseas. They will appreciate your thanks and even the most basic items such as soap, shampoo, and candy!

Don't forget to make your Houston Airport Parking reservation with Rocket Parking! We appreciate those in military service!